Johnny Bench apologizes for 'insensitive' comment at Reds ceremony

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Baseball legend Johnny Bench apologized for using an "insensitive" remark during the Cincinnati Reds’ Hall of Fame ceremony on Saturday night, which came as the team honored the late Gabe Paul.

Jennie Paul, Gabe’s daughter, and Pete Rose were among those who spoke about the former team executive. Jennie noted how her father was Jewish and became a champion of minorities in pro baseball. Rose told a story about how Gabe signed him on a deal that paid him about $400 per month.

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Former Cincinnati Reds player and Hall of Fame member Johnny Bench is seen before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park on July 21, 2018, in Cincinnati. (Michael Hickey / Getty Images)

After Jennie chimed in with a comment about how her father was "cheap," Bench was heard yelling, "He was Jewish!" The former Reds catcher’s joke didn’t go over well, and he was scrutinized for it.

He apologized in a statement through the Reds.

"I recognize my comment was insensitive," Bench’s statement reads. "I apologized to Jennie for taking away from her father the full attention he deserves.

Hall of Fame catcher for the Cincinnati Reds Johnny Bench is seen before the game against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park on May 8, 2018, in Cincinnati. (Michael Hickey / Getty Images)

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"Gabe Paul earned his place in the Reds Hall of Fame, same as the others who stood on that stage, I am sorry that some of the focus is on my inappropriate remark instead of solely on Gabe’s achievement."

Jennie Paul told The Athletic she